Portable soccer goal and field apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a portable soccer goal and field apparatus and method that include a lightweight, modular, and portable soccer goal and accompanying enclosures. The present disclosure is a portable system for a goal and various boundaries that enables a soccer field and goals to be set up and torn down on any field seamlessly, quickly, and efficiently. Further, the boundaries keep a soccer ball “in play”, i.e. the boundaries provide confinement. This prevents wasted time in chasing an out-of-bounds ball and turbo charges game play. Also, the present disclosure is adaptable in that the goal may connect to any number of boundaries in a variety of configurations for game play, training, exercise, and the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present non-provisional patent application claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/377,299, filed Aug. 26, 2010,and entitled “PORTABLE SOCCER GOAL AND FIELD APPARATUS AND METHOD,”which is incorporated in full by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a portable soccer goal andfield apparatus and method. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a portable goal which may be coupled to a plurality ofportable panels forming soccer goals and the field.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Soccer is proliferating in the U.S. at all levels from youth to adult.Typically, soccer is played on a rectangular field with goals atopposing ends and boundaries defined on the field, such as via chalk,paint, or posts. As such, soccer fields must be maintained and dedicatedfor playing soccer. Further, using existing boundaries on the field,such as via chalk, paint, or posts, it may be difficult to continuouslykeep a soccer ball “in play” meaning within the field of play sincethese conventional boundaries do not stop the ball. What is needed is aportable system for a goal and boundaries that may allow a soccer fieldand goals to be set up and torn down on any field seamlessly, quickly,and efficiently.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention relates to aportable soccer goal and field apparatus and method that include alightweight, modular, and portable soccer goal and accompanyingenclosures. The present invention is a portable system for a goal andboundaries that enables a soccer field and goals to be set up and torndown on any field seamlessly, quickly, and efficiently.

In an exemplary embodiment, a soccer field enclosure system includes amesh goal formed through a plurality of poles; one or more panels; and aplurality of end poles for supporting the one or more panels; whereinone of the one or more panels is connected to the mesh goal; and whereineach of the mesh goal and the one or more panels are foldable andstorable with the plurality of poles and the plurality of end poles in acarrying case. The one or more panels may include end portions eachconfigured to attach to one of the plurality of end poles. The pluralityof end poles may be configured to flex. The soccer field enclosuresystem may further include a rebound cord attached to each of theplurality of end poles, wherein the rebound cord is configured to returna panel to a substantially upright position after flexing. The soccerfield enclosure system may further include an advertisement or logo onone of the one or more panels. Optionally, the advertisement or logo isprinted on the one of the one or more panels. Alternatively, theadvertisement or logo is attached to the one of the one or more panels.The one or more panels may be deployable in a modular configuration.Optionally, the one or more panels may include a length of four to sixfeet. The plurality of end poles may include a stake portion forengaging a surface and a top portion. The top portion may include a foamcover.

In another exemplary embodiment, a soccer field kit may include one ormore mesh goals; one or more banners; poles for supporting the one ormore mesh goals; flexible end poles for supporting the one or morebanners, the flexible end poles configured to engage a surface and toengage the one or more banners for support thereof; wherein the one ormore goals and the one or more banners are modularly configurable toform a plurality of soccer field configurations. The soccer field kitmay include an advertisement or logo on the one or more banners.Optionally, the advertisement or logo is printed on the one or morebanners. Alternatively, the advertisement or logo is attached to the oneor more banners.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a soccer field includes at leastone portable mesh goal supported by a plurality of insertable poles, theplurality of insertable poles are removable from the at least oneportable mesh goal; and at least two portable panels each adjacent tothe at least one portable mesh goal and supported by an end poleconfigured to engage a surface and to support the at least two portablepanels, the at least two portable panels are removeable from thesurface; wherein the at least two portable panels are configured toprovide soccer ball confinement for shots toward the at least oneportable mesh goal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated and described herein with referenceto the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote likemethod steps and/or system components, respectively, and in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams of a soccer goal enclosure system accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a panel used with the enclosure system of FIG. 1according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a panel with a pole disposed therethrough;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a plural panels with poles disposed therethrough;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a panel coupled to a pole with a rebound cordattached thereto;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a front view of the soccer goal enclosure systemof FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a first exemplary deployment in which pluralpanels with poles are utilized to form a large field with opposinggoals;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a second exemplary deployment which may bereferred to as an exemplary training field;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a third exemplary deployment 70 which includestwo end line systems over a full field; and

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a three-sided soccer tennis deployment withthree panels at a center point.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention relates to aportable soccer goal and field apparatus and method that include alightweight, modular, and portable soccer goal and accompanyingenclosures. The present invention is a portable system for a goal andvarious boundaries that enables a soccer field and goals to be set upand torn down on any field seamlessly, quickly, and efficiently.Further, the boundaries help to keep a soccer ball “in play”, i.e. theboundaries provide confinement. This prevents wasted time in chasing anout-of-bounds ball and turbo charges game play. Also, the presentinvention is adaptable in that the goal may connect to any number ofboundaries in a variety of configurations for game play, training,exercise, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in an exemplary embodiment, diagramsillustrate a soccer goal enclosure system 10. The enclosure system 10includes a goal 12 connected to two panels 14, 16. The goal 12 is formedby a plurality of interconnectable poles 18 of varying lengths and amesh net 20. For example, the goal 12 may be formed from a total ofeight poles 18—two poles 18 substantially parallel to one another andthe ground forming the top and the bottom of the goal 12, two poles 18upright from the ground forming the sides, and four poles 18 forming theinterior of the goal 12. The mesh net 20 may include clips or the liketo run the poles 18 through. The poles 18 may be freestanding or mayinclude a stake to connect into in the ground. In an exemplaryembodiment, the poles 18 may be a flexible material such as fiberglass,plastic, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and the like. The poles 18 may snapor connect to one another through various means. For example, the poles18 may include connectors disposed at each end for attachment theretowith other poles 18. In another exemplary embodiment, the goal 12 may beformed without the poles 18 and instead include a shaped mesh formingthe mesh net 20 with stakes or the like for securing to the ground.

The panels 14, 16 may include end portions 22 and a banner 24 disposedbetween the end portions 22. The end portions 22 are connected or formedto the banner 24. The end portions 22 and the banner 24 may include aflexible material such as cloth, nylon, polyester, etc. The end portions22 may include means to connect to a pole or the like for supporting thepanels 14, 16. For example, the end portions 22 may include a pluralityof openings to receive a cord or the like to attach the end portions 22to a pole. In another example, the end portions 22 may include anopening through which a pole is slid. Alternatively, the end portions 22may include clasps, ties, hooks, etc. to connect to a pole. Also, theend portion 22 abutting the goal 12 may connect to the goal 12 throughthe pole 18 or the like.

Referring to FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates asingle panel 14 for use with the enclosure system 10. Note, FIG. 1illustrates the goal 12 with two panels 14, 16. Each of the panels 14,16 is substantially the same, and the enclosure system 10 may includeany number of panels 14 forming a variety of different fieldconfigurations. That is, each of the end portions 22 may be configuredto connect to another end portion 22 or adjacent banners 24 may beconfigured to share a single end portion 22. Further, the banner 24 mayinclude a logo 28, such as an advertisement, emblem, logo, or the like.Importantly, the banner 24 may provide both an advertisement/logo 28 aswell as being a boundary for the field simultaneously. This gives theopportunity for a local game to have a similar look and feel as aprofessional field. The advertisement/logo 28 may be directly printed onthe banner 24 or may be attached to the banner 24 through a variety ofmeans, e.g. hook and clasp, buttons, adhesive, ties, etc. Note, each endof the end portions 22 may include a plurality of button holes on eachside through which poles or the like may be inserted for supportthereof.

The enclosure system 10 may form a portable kit that may include anynumber of goals 12 and panels 14 to form various soccer fieldconfigurations. In particular, each of the components in the goals 12and the panels 14 are configured to roll up and be stored in asubstantially cylindrical carrying device. For example, the mesh net 20may fold around the poles 18 and the banner 24 may fold around the endpoles 22 with the folded parts then slid into the substantiallycylindrical carrying device.

Referring to FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, a panel 14 isillustrated with a pole 30 disposed therethrough. In this example, thepole 30 includes a top portion 32 and a stake portion 34. The stakeportion 34 is configured to be placed within the ground to providesupport for the pole 30 and the banner 24. The top portion 32 mayinclude a banner, a sign, a post, a lamp, etc. The top portion 32 mayalso include protection such as a foam covering to prevent injury. Theend portion 22 includes a plurality of openings 36 through which anattachment cord 38 couples the end portion 22 to the pole 30. The pole30 may be a flexible material such as fiberglass, plastic, Polyvinylchloride (PVC), and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the pole 30may be 3 to 6 feet in length. Also, the banner 24 may be 4 to 6 feet inlength, such as 5 feet, for example.

Referring to FIG. 5, in an exemplary embodiment, plural panels 14 areillustrated with poles 30 disposed therethrough. Advantageously, thepanels 14 may be interconnected via the end portions 22 with each endportion 22 sharing a common pole 30 between adjacent panels 14. Thus,the present invention enables a variety of differing fieldconfigurations by adding addition panels 14. Specifically, the panels 14are configurable in a modular fashion to form any type of confinement orboundaries as required. The panels 14 may be approximately 4 to 6 feetin length, such as 5 feet, for example. It has been determined thatlength of approximately 5 feet provides adequate support and fieldcoverage.

Referring to FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment, a panel 14 isillustrated coupled to a pole 30 with a rebound cord 40. As describedherein, the panel 14 and the pole 30 may be flexible. For safetypurposes, the panel 14 and the pole 30 may be configured to providesignificant flexibility. For example, a person may be able to step onthe panel 14 and the panel 14 and the pole 30 will flex such that thepanel 14 is a soft boundary in case the person runs into the panel, i.e.the panel 14 will provide give upon flexing. The rebound cord 40 may bedisposed on the pole between the stake portion 34 and the top portion 32enabling the panel 14 to return to a substantially upright configurationafter being flexed. For example, the rebound cord 40 may be elastic,e.g. bungee cord. In an exemplary embodiment, the pole 30 may beconfigured to flex completely from the top portion 32 to the ground orthe stake portion 34 without breaking, i.e. 360 degree flexibility, andthe rebound cord 40 may provide a mechanism for the panel 14 to retainits shape. In another exemplary embodiment, any spring like mechanismmay be utilized with the panel 14 for returning the panel 14 to asubstantially upright position after the pole has flexed. Note, thepoles 30 may be configured to return themselves to the upright positionupon flexing.

Referring to FIG. 7, in an exemplary embodiment, a front viewillustrates the soccer goal enclosure system 10 with poles 30 disposedbetween the panels 14 and the goal 12. As described herein, the system10 provides a convenient and portable system for ball confinement insoccer. The system 10 is portable, lightweight, modular, etc. and may beused in a plurality of field configurations only limited by a number ofpanels 14.

Referring to FIGS. 8-12, in various exemplary embodiments, diagramsillustrate example deployments of the enclosure system 10. FIG. 8illustrates a first exemplary deployment 50 in which plural panels 14with poles 30 are utilized to form a large field with opposing goals 12.This may be a fully enclosed soccer field or may include severalopenings (as shown in FIG. 8) for players to ingress and egress theplaying field. Such configuration may be advantageous in youth games orthe like, i.e. keeping the ball in play for faster play. The deployment50 may be a 30 yd×20 yd field, for example.

FIG. 9 illustrates a deployment 60 which may be referred to as anexemplary training field. The deployment 60 includes two systems 10 in aminiature field configurations, e.g. for 1v1, 2v2, etc. games. Thedeployment 60 further includes a soccer tennis 62 configuration whichincludes one panel 14 and fins attached thereto. The soccer tennis 62may be utilized for 1v1 training exercises. Finally, the deployment 60two end line systems 64 which include the goal 12 which panels 14attached thereto in such a manner that the goal 12 is in front of thepanels 14, i.e. the panels 14 directly attached to the goal 12 extenddiagonally away from the goal 12. This provides a backstop likeconfiguration.

FIG. 10 illustrates a deployment 70 which includes the two end linesystems 64 over a full field. Here, the two end line systems 64 providea backstop like configuration for full field play. Finally, FIG. 11illustrates a three-sided soccer tennis deployment 80 with three panels14 at a center point. Each of the panels 14 includes a fin 82. Thethree-sided soccer tennis deployment 80 may be utilized formulti-directional play and training between three or more people. At thecenter, in an exemplary embodiment, the panels 14 do not share a singlepole 30 in this set up, but there may be three poles 30 held together inthe center by a shock cord.

The panels 14 may be different colors, e.g. the panels 14 immediatelyadjacent to the goal 12 may be a different color than the other panels14. The panels 14 and the goals 12 may be configured in any number ofconfigurations for practice, training, game play, and the like. Further,smaller fields may be used for one-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-three,and the like game play.

The enclosure system 10 may be provided as a kit. In a first deluxe kit,the enclosure system 10 may include 16 “stepflex” safety poles, 12stretch panels, 2 mesh goals, and carry bag. Here, an enclosed fieldsize is approximately 32′×18′ which is good for a three-on-three game(or more for younger players). This system is a detachable system wherethe various components may be detached from one another, i.e. detachablepanels 14. The “Deluxe” portable model can be separated into 2 sectionsin order to increase overall playing space.

Another kit may include a Non-detachable portable model with 12“stepflex” safety poles, 10 stretch panels, 2 mesh goals, and carry bag.Here, all of the panels 14 and the goal 12 are physically connected andfold up together. This may include a Field size of 16′×20′. Thisportable model, while not being detachable, can be used for endless,skill building activities, and be shaped to resemble a rectangle, apentagon, an oval, a square etc.

Also, another kit may include a pair of portable end sections with 8stepflex safety poles, 4 stretch panels, 2 mesh goals, and carry bag.Here, each end section is a goal attached to two panels with a width ofeach end section of 14′ wide each. This “Micro” portable model can beadded to the “Deluxe” model in order to create 4 scoring areas withinthe Soccer Corral. Detach and place sideline panels just outside of astriped line in the grass, so if the ball rolls over the line it willnot go far. A portable model can be added to the “Deluxe” model in orderto create 4 scoring areas within the enclosure system 10. Detach andplace sideline panels just outside of a striped line in the grass, so ifthe ball rolls over the line it won't go far.

In an exemplary embodiment, the banner 24 may be 5′×20″ stretchablefabric, the poles 18, 22 may be 45″ “stepflex” safety poles, and themesh net 20 a 30″×4′ rebounder mesh goals with depth, and carry bag.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described hereinwith reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof,it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatother embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/orachieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples arewithin the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended tobe covered by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A soccer field enclosure system, comprising: amesh goal formed through a plurality of poles; one or more panels; and aplurality of end poles for supporting the one or more panels; whereinone of the one or more panels is connected to the mesh goal; and whereineach of the mesh goal and the one or more panels are foldable andstorable with the plurality of poles and the plurality of end poles in acarrying case.
 2. The soccer field enclosure system of claim 1, whereinthe one or more panels comprise end portions each configured to attachto one of the plurality of end poles.
 3. The soccer field enclosuresystem of claim 1, wherein the plurality of end poles are configured toflex.
 4. The soccer field enclosure system of claim 3, furthercomprising a rebound cord attached to each of the plurality of endpoles, wherein the rebound cord is configured to return a panel to asubstantially upright position after flexing.
 5. The soccer fieldenclosure system of claim 3, further comprising a spring like mechanism,wherein the spring like mechanism is configured to return a panel to asubstantially upright position after flexing.
 6. The soccer fieldenclosure system of claim 1, further comprising: an advertisement orlogo on one of the one or more panels.
 7. The soccer field enclosuresystem of claim 6, wherein the advertisement or logo is printed on theone of the one or more panels.
 8. The soccer field enclosure system ofclaim 6, wherein the advertisement or logo is attached to the one of theone or more panels.
 9. The soccer field enclosure system of claim 1,wherein the one or more panels are deployable in a modularconfiguration.
 10. The soccer field enclosure system of claim 1, whereinthe one or more panels comprise a length of four to six feet.
 11. Thesoccer field enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of endpoles comprise a stake portion for engaging a surface and a top portion.12. The soccer field enclosure system of claim 11, wherein the topportion comprises a foam cover.
 13. A soccer field kit, comprising: oneor more mesh goals; one or more banners; poles for supporting the one ormore mesh goals; flexible end poles for supporting the one or morebanners, the flexible end poles configured to engage a surface and toengage the one or more banners for support thereof; wherein the one ormore goals and the one or more banners are modularly configurable toform a plurality of soccer field configurations.
 14. The soccer fieldkit of claim 13, further comprising: an advertisement or logo on the oneor more banners.
 15. The soccer field kit of claim 14, wherein theadvertisement or logo is printed on the one or more banners.
 16. Thesoccer field kit of claim 14, wherein the advertisement or logo isattached to the one or more banners.
 17. A soccer field, comprising: atleast one portable mesh goal supported by a plurality of insertablepoles, the plurality of insertable poles are removable from the at leastone portable mesh goal; and at least two portable panels each adjacentto the at least one portable mesh goal and supported by an end poleconfigured to engage a surface and to support the at least two portablepanels, the at least two portable panels are removable form the surface;wherein the at least two portable panels are configured to providesoccer ball confinement for shots toward the at least one portable meshgoal.